Waititu Withdraws Case Against Kiambu Bar Owners

Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has withdrawn a case against bar owners in Kiambu over the sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks in the county.

The governor had sued the Kiambu Liquor Welfare Group, the Inspector of Police Joseph Boinnet, Kenya Bureau of Standards, and Alcoholic Beverage Association saying the sale of alcohol is ruining the lives of many residents of the county.

In his withdrawal notice, Waititu said the issues raised in the suit are already being handled in other cases filed in court in relation to the Kiambu County Alcoholic Drinks Act, 2018.

“As such, we wish to withdraw this suit since the same is raising similar issues as all those matters in court,” it said.

On March 6, the Kiambu county assembly passed the Kiambu County Alcoholic Drinks Act, 2018. The law was to abolish retail of wine and spirits.

The new law required bar owners in the county to reapply for licences through the sub-county alcohol committees.

This was aimed at ensuring only retailers who stock quality assured alcoholic drinks would be allowed to operate within the county.

The law also requires those issued with licences to prominently display the certificates so they can be inspected by anyone.

It also requires bar owners to keep records of alcoholic drinks’ suppliers and limits nightclub operations from 2pm to 3am on weekends.

Waititu has vowed to fight to through all means possible to ensure the law is enforced to limit the number of people who die in the county due to the consumption of illicit brews.

Bar owners have, however, challenged the law in court terming it as oppressive.